Leopold Philip de Heister (4 April 1716, Homberg - 19 November 1777, Kassel) was a Hessian general who notably fought for the British during the American Revolutionary War.

[1] Heister originally chose his native Hessian service before joining the French for the War of the Austrian Succession, being wounded and captured at Braunau.

Back in Hessian service he fought in the Seven Years' War, leading the Guard Cavalry Regiment, and being wounded in the battles of Hastenbeck, Krefeld and Bergen.

He landed on Long Island near New Utrecht with two full Hessian brigades on 25 August 1776, three days after the arrival of Gen. William Howe with the British troops.

Soon after debarking, the invading army prepared for marching, the Hessians under De Heister forming the centre, or main body.